Granger touts community policing as ideal crime prevention method

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 February 2016, 12:43 by

President David Granger and Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

President David Granger has advanced appeals for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to look to strengthen its ties with communities and forge community policing groups as a way of preventing crime.

The President, giving remarks at the annual Police Officers Annual Conference declared that for the Police to win the war against crime and violence, the root causes of the societal plague must be addressed.

These root causes can be addressed via the community since persons within the community would have a common interest in their safety and wellbeing.

“We have to build a system in which residents can be assured of safety even in the absence of a police station,” the President stated adding that “community policing is not a substitute; it is a supplement.”

He charged that the Police administration look to expand its reach by intensifying such ties with communities.

The President said that Community Policing groups must “not remain lawless or an outlaw” adding “It is my view that community policing is for a common good but unfortunately that concept has been subjected to bizarre interpretations over the years.”” said Mr Granger.

Despite the obvious challenges in the social and political spheres the President emphasized that it is important that the true intention of community policing not be tainted or sidelined.

“We must ensure that this function does not become a victim of political policing…some must not be perceived as policing special interests but for the common good,” President Granger noted.

The Commander in Chief also made it clear that the Administration is” fully committed to giving the force what it needs to keep Guyana safe.”

It was also stated that the police should uphold the unwritten social contract between the police and citizenry.

(Jomo Brusheildon Paul)